To clean your cat's ears, you'll need cotton pads or balls, a cat-specific ear-cleaning solution, and a towel or blanket if your cat needs to be wrapped up
. It is generally not necessary to clean your cat’s ears unless your vet advises you to do so
. If you notice any problems, such as wax, dirt, redness, heat, or swelling, contact your vet
. Steps to Clean a Cat's Ears:
- Hold your cat gently in your lap or ask someone to hold them on a non-slippery surface
. Wrapping your cat in a towel may help keep them calm
- Calm your cat by speaking in a soft, soothing voice
- Examine your cat's ears for any signs of infection, such as debris, inflammation, discharge, wax buildup, or foul odor
. If you notice any of these signs, stop and consult your vet
- Grasp the tip of the ear flap, pulling back slightly to expose the ear canal
- Place the nozzle of the ear cleaner bottle into the entrance of your cat’s ear
. Do not put the tip of the bottle into the ear
- Squeeze enough ear cleaning solution into your cat’s ear to fill the ear canal
- Gently massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to help break up any debris
- Allow your cat to shake their head
. Watch out for flying liquid
!
- Use a cotton ball or gauze to wipe away debris from the inner part of the ear flap and the upper ear canal
. Never use cotton buds, as they can push dirt further in
- Remove any remaining cleaning solution from within the ear canal with a cotton ball or gauze
- Reward your cat with treats and praise to make it a less stressful experience for them
It is important to only use ear cleaners specifically made for cats
. Never use dog ear cleaner, astringents, alcohol, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide
